The Drinking Fountain From Heaven

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink."  - John 7:37

Spurgeon's thoughts: "Patience had her perfect work in the Lord Jesus, and until the last day of the feast He pleaded with the Jews, even as on this last day of the year He pleads with us and waits to be gracious to us. The long-suffering of the Savior is truly admirable as He bears with some of us year after year despite our insults, rebellions, and resistance to His Holy Spirit. Wonders of wonders that we are still in the land of mercy!

Mercy expressed herself most plainly, for Jesus "cried," which implies not only the loudness of His voice, but the tenderness of His tones. He entreats us to be reconciled. "God making his appeal through us," says the apostle, "we implore you on behalf of Christ..." What earnest, pathetic terms are these! How deep the Father's love that causes Him to weep over sinners and, like a mother, to tenderly call His children to Himself! Surely at the sound of such a cry our willing hearts will come.

No waiting or preparation is even hinted at. Drinking represents a reception that has no special requirements. A fool, a thief, a harlot can drink; our sinfulness is no barrier to the invitation to believe in Jesus. We need no golden cup, no fine china, in which to convey the water to the thirsty; the mouth of poverty is welcome to stoop down and drink of the life-giving stream... Jesus is the fount of hope. Dear reader, listen to the dear Redeemer's loving voice as He cries to each of us, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.""

Candy's thoughts: Such a beautiful sentiment to close out one year and begin another. Unlike many other religions, Christianity is one without any "requirements" except to believe the blessings that we receive through the work of the Son on the cross. We are invited to drink and be satisfied. Let's all endeavor in this upcoming new year to run to the fountain that never runs dry and fill our cup to the brim.

Here is the link to a hymn written by James Montgomery Boice which expresses Spurgeon's thoughts very well. Below are the lyrics.

1 Come to the waters, whoever is thirsty;
drink from the Fountain that never runs dry.
Jesus, the Living One, offers you mercy,
life more abundant in boundless supply.

2 Come to the River that flows through the city,
forth from the throne of the Father and Son.
Jesus the Savior says, "Come and drink deeply."
life more abundant in boundless supply.

3 Come to the Fountain without any money;
buy what is given without any cost.
Jesus, the gracious One, welcome the weary;
Jesus, the selfless One died for the lost.

4 Come to the Well of unmerited favor;
stretch out your hand; fill your cup to the brim.
Jesus is such a compassionate Savior.
Draw from the grace that flows freely from Him.

5 Come to the Savior, the God of salvation.
God has provided an end to sin's strife.
Why will you suffer the Law's condemnation?
Take the free gift of the water of life.

Doubt Your Doubts Before You Doubt God

"Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens." (Ps. 119:89)

Elyse Fitzpatrick's thoughts: "We must ask ourselves, does the Bible give us reason to believe or to doubt?

One of the ways we can know that the Bible is God's Word is because it is filled with prophecies that have come true. Of the approximately 2,500 prophecies in the Bible, about two-thirds have already been fulfilled. Some of the prophecies are so specific that anyone with a reasonably open mind would be convinced that the Bible is uniquely inspired. Here are just two examples:

1. Isaiah prophesied about a man named Cyrus, who would conquer the Babylonia empire and let the Jewish exiles go. This prophecy was uttered 150 years before Cyrus was even born and 80 years before the Jews were even taken into exile (see Isa. 44:28; 45:1, 13). That Cyrus lived and accomplished all this is a fact proven by archaeology. The probability of this being just a chance fulfillment is 1 in 10 to the 15th power, which is one chance in 10,000,000,000,000,000.  Do you have reason to doubt with those odds?

2. The Old Testament foretold that the ancient Jewish nation would be conquered twice and that the people would be carried off as slaves each time, first by the Babylonians (for a period of seventy years) and then by another kingdom (see Deut. 29; Isa. 11:11-13; Jer. 25:11; Hos. 3:4-5; Luke 21: 23-24). These prophecies were fulfilled exactly. The probability of this being a chance fulfillment is 1 in 10 to the 20th power."

Candy's thoughts: I think these statistics are pretty impressive! Even a skeptic or atheist might be surprised by the mathematics of the Bible. As believers, then, we should brush off doubts as soon as they reach the surface of conscious thinking. Let's doubt our doubts before we doubt God and His Word.

The Eternal Potential of Suffering

The Northern New England Presbytery of the PCA recently hosted a conference entitled "Disability and the Gospel." Joni Eareckson Tada joined the event via video feed in which she commended all in attendance to take up the cause of graciously and completely including those struggling with disabilities within the full life of our churches. Less than two weeks later Joni herself underwent surgery for cancer - her second time around. She gave an interview to John Stonestreet in which they discussed what John describes as the "eternal potential of suffering." The difficulties we all face now are somehow preparing us for life in a future world without trials. John's conclusion is that we will all profit the most from afflictions when we are willing to treat others with different frailties as fellow heirs of the covenant. Amen to that!

John Stonestreet Column

Thoughts on Money

"And Amaziah said to the Man of God, 'But what shall we do about the hundred talents that I have given to the army of Israel?' The Man of God answered, 'The Lord is able to give you much more than this.'" (2 Chronicles 25:9)

Spurgeon's thoughts: "This seemed to be a very important question for the king of Judah, and possibly it is of even more significance for the tried and tested Christian. To lose money is never pleasant, and when it involves principle, we are not always ready to make the sacrifice. 'Why lose what could be put to good use? Is it not possible to pay too much for truth? Remember the children and our small income!' All these things and a thousand more would tempt the Christian to participate in dishonest gain or prevent him from carrying out his conscientious convictions when they involve serious loss. Not everyone views these matters in the light of faith; and even with the followers of Jesus, the idea that 'we all have to live' carries quite a bit of weight.

'The Lord is able to give you much more than this' is a very satisfactory answer to the anxious question. Our Father holds the funds, and what we lose for His sake He can provide for us. The Lord will be no man's debtor in the end. Christians know that an ounce of contentment is more valuable than a ton of gold. The person wearing a threadbare coat over a good conscience has found a spiritual treasure far more desirable than any he may have lost. God's smile and a dungeon are enough for a true heart; His frown and a palace would be hell to the trusting soul. Let the worst become worse still, let all the talents go, we have not lost our treasure, for that is above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. In the meantime, even now the Lord makes the meek to inherit the earth, and He keeps back nothing that is good from those whose walk is blameless."

Candy's thoughts: I distinctly remember the day when Steve and I decided to tithe to our local church. We were relatively new believers, and the concept of giving a set amount to our church was truly daunting. We were living in one of the most expensive towns in the state of Connecticut, in the cheapest rental house we could find, and we had wild mushrooms growing up through the floor in one of our rooms! We also just had our second child with a third one following soon after, the business that Steve was working in was struggling (and did fail), so financially we were looking at an uncertain financial future. But Steve did a biblical study on tithing as a Christian minimum and was persuaded (and then persuaded me) that we should do this. So I said "Okayyyyyy, we'll see how this goes" and more than 30 years later I can validate Spurgeon's claim that "Our Father holds the funds, and what we lose for His sake He can provide for us."

I'm guessing some of you may have had a similar experience?

3 (Evangelistic) Reasons to Quit Complaining

Today I discovered a new series of devotionals to read! Yay!

Here is the description: "In the 31-Day Devotionals for Life Series, biblical counselors and Bible teachers guide you through Scripture passages that speak to specific situations or struggles, helping you to apply God's word to your life in practical ways day after day."

While I have not yet received the books, I am confident they will be very good because of previous books I have enjoyed by these authors. The specific volumes I have ordered are Grief: Walking With Jesus by Bob Kellemen, Doubt: Trusting God's Promises by Elyse Fitzpatrick, and Contentment: Seeking God's Goodness by Megan Hill. 

The first of these three authors is one of the experts interviewed on the GriefShare videos. The second I've heard speak at conferences and she has written some wonderful books. The third I met on a bus while traveling from the Indianapolis Airport on our way to a Gospel Coalition Conference for Women where she was a speaker and I was an appreciative attender.

There are 3 that I did not order yet: Pornography: Fighting for Purity, Addictive Habits: Changing for Good, and After An Affair: Pursuing Restoration. All 6 of these are published by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers.

I stumbled upon these books after reading an article on the Gospel Coalition website by Megan Hill entitled 3 (Evangelistic) Reasons To Quit Complaining. Here is the link to that great article:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-evangelistic-reasons-quit-complaining/ 

Don't Be a Turkey This Thanksgiving

I'd like to take a moment and introduce CandyceLand readers to another blogger. Her name is Sharon Gamble and she writes at sweetselah.org. She and I go waaaaaaay back to the days when 3/4 Magee kids attended Portsmouth Christian Academy and her husband was (is!) a terrific teacher of history there. Anyway, the title of her post today REALLY caught my eye, and if you are reading this, it obviously caught yours as well! Sharon reminds us that Scripture can inform us even how to 'behave' and therefore bring glory to God around a Thanksgiving table. I hope you enjoy this article, and please be sure to check out her other musings which can be found at the link above. You won't regret doing so.  💕

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.—Proverbs 9:10 NIV

Turkey (slang): one who is inept; a failure; a dud

Dear friends,

Let’s take some notes from Proverbs today so we don’t wind up being the “turkey” at Thanksgiving this year. God’s Word is full of advice on how to behave. So … as a holiday approaches and you are asked to be in close proximity with people you love and sometimes people who are a tad bit hard to love … take note. And have a great Thanksgiving!

Don’t …

Take offense easily. “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11 NIV). Some people have extra sensitive spirits. Perhaps they were teased as children or feel foolish in a crowd. For whatever reason, these dear ones can often misinterpret words, ending up feeling slighted and offended. Perhaps that’s you and me at times? I love this verse. It reminds me that it’s to my glory—my shining—to overlook a comment that I perceive as an offense. Wisdom yields patience. We need to be patient with others and believe the best of them. Words often pop out of a mouth sounding harsher than the speaker meant. Let’s overlook these words and live “unoffended,” having patience with others and knowing we are loved by the Holy One, and, therefore, we are … just fine.

Urge people to eat what they shouldn’t. “If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit”(Proverbs 25:16 NIV). It’s actually unkind to push food on someone. As a person with a special need in my diet, I can attest to the awkwardness that results when someone wants me to try something I really shouldn’t. Offer food and smile, whether the food is accepted or rejected. Let’s all be mindful of others’ food needs and restrictions.

Run from difficult people. “It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy” (Proverbs 14:21 NIV). Difficult people have a story. Each one of them. Yes, sometimes they are the product of their own foolish decisions. At the same time, they also come with genuine hurts and wounds from a past that we can’t begin to understand. There are all different kinds of needy folk: those who live in financial poverty and those who live in emotional or relational poverty. Listen to that difficult person. Love them as Christ loved you. Make them welcome at the table and help them belong. Always be kind. It’s often the difficult ones who need kindness most of all.

Kindle gossip. “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28 NIV). To kindle is to light a fire, to activate, or inflame. When we engage in gossip, speaking unkindly about someone who is usually not present, we stir up conflict and separate even close friends. Oh, let’s be careful with our tongues! I always play a mental game when someone starts talking about a person not present. I immediately picture them watching us as we talk. I imagine that they hear every word I say. That totally changes what I say! Try it. It really helps.

Envy others. “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30 NIV). Envy is horrid. When you look at what you don’t have, you are robbed of the joy in what you do have. Envy gives you an unkind heart toward others. As the proverb says, it “rots your bones.” Literally makes your insides hurt. Yikes! Let’s be content with what we have. Seriously. Are we wearing clothing? Do we sleep on a mattress at night? Then, we are blessed. When we focus on all we have, our hearts are at peace and our bodies flow with life.

Yak. “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19 NASB). To yak is to talk at length, especially idle or trivial chatter. Oh, how easy it is for me to get going with a good story and keep going. And then going some more. Although it’s fun to “entertain” in this way, it’s also unkind. In a good conversation both parties share and talk. I want to do a better job of listening and drawing out the quieter person so I can hear their thoughts and their stories.

Dear Lord, here I am. Imperfect. Prone to selfishness and loving my own comfort. Help me, please, this Thanksgiving to heed Your Word and to be kind, putting others’ needs ahead of my own. Help me to be an encourager, a listener, a peace-bringer in all the events I attend. Lord, help me to shine Your love in all I do! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What if? Even if?

Vaneetha Risner's thoughts: "I've spent a lifetime considering the what-ifs. Those questions have a way of making me uneasy, destroying my peace, leaving me feeling hopeless. When negative possibilities loom before me, I can't seem to rein in my thoughts. Just asking "What if..." unsettles me.

People in the Bible were unsettled by what-if questions, too. When he was told to lead the Israelites, Moses asked God, "What if they don't believe me?" Abraham's servant asked about Isaac's future wife, "What if the young woman refuses to come with me?" Joseph's brothers asked, "What if Joseph bears a grudge against us?" All of them wondered what would happen if circumstances went awry. Just like we do.

We all face a staggering array of what-ifs. Some are minor inconveniences while others have potentially life-altering repercussions. What if I lose my job? What if I never have children? What if I get cancer? What if my spouse dies? What if my husband never loves me? What if my child never believes in Jesus?

In the Bible, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not guaranteed deliverance. Just before Nebuchadnezzar delivered them to the fire, they offered some of the most courageous words ever spoken. "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it... But even if he does not, we want you to know... that we will not serve your gods" (Dan 3:17-18).

Even if. Those two simple words can take the fear out of life. Replacing "what if" with "even if" in our mental vocabulary is one of the most liberating exchanges we can ever make. We trade our irrational fears of an uncertain future for the loving assurance of an unchanging God. We see that even if the very worst happens, God will carry us. He will still be good. And he will never leave us."

Candy's thoughts: I have struggled with two "What if" questions for 37 years. The first began to invade my thoughts at age 24 when our first child was born: "What if one of my children dies before I do?"  Well, as most of you know, that fear became reality 11 years ago with the death of our son. Immediately after his funeral the second "What if?" question started to plague me: "What if this happens again and another child dies?"

I wish I could say with confidence that I have learned to be "content in all situations" as the Bible instructs us, but I have not. I wish I could say that I "count it all joy when I face various trials," but it takes me a long time to get to that point. Maybe the divine direction through the verse in Daniel 3 will help me to make progress. Even if the unthinkable happens, God will still be God, and heaven will remain a place of supreme joy without any trace of lingering 'what if's.'

With these truths in mind, I can be in full agreement with the great hymn "All Praise to God - Who Reigns Above,"  especially Verse 6:

                                      Then come before his presence now
                                      And banish fear and sadness;
                                      To your Redeemer pay your vow

                                      And sing with joy and gladness:

                                      Though great distress my soul befell,

                                      The Lord, my God, did all things well,

                                      To God all praise and glory!

Even if great distress should come upon me once again, I pray that I would believe, really believe, that the Lord does all things well. To God all praise and glory!

"My Times Are In Your Hands" Part 3

Alistair Begg's continuing thoughts regarding Psalm 31:15: "My Times are in Your Hands."

(If interested, scroll down 5 articles for Parts 1 & 2.)

#3: I am being trained in the school of God's providence

"God wrote the Bible so that we might know that He sees, cares and acts. He stepped down on to the globe from the glory of heaven. He revealed Himself in the person of the incarnate Son, the Lord Jesus Christ... Do you know what that means? It means we are not trapped in the grip of a blind force or being tossed about by chance. It means we are being trained in the school of God's providence. It means that our times are in His hands. In Scotland we used to sing the following hymn:

                                           My times are in your hands.
                                                My God I wish them there.
                                           My life, my friends, my soul,
                                                I leave entirely to your care.
                                           My times are in your hands,
                                                whatever they may be,
                                           Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
                                                as best may seem to thee.
                                           My times are in your hands,
                                                why should I doubt or fear?
                                           My father's hand will never
                                                cause His child a needless tear."

Candy's thoughts:  "Why should I doubt or fear?" Is there one of God's precious children who would deny that fear of the unknown and doubt of God's love should be cast away forever from our minds? Yet when tragedy strikes, are there any that haven't experienced these unbelieving emotions? I know that there are wonderful testimonies in our present day and in past generations where faithful children of God have ultimately come to the right conclusion that God is sovereign over all "pleasing or painful, dark or bright" providences. We need to learn to embrace the words of our Savior: "Not my will, but Yours, O Lord." As this beautiful hymn quoted by Alistair Begg states, "My father's hand will never cause His child a needless tear." What a comfort when painful and dark sorrows threaten to overwhelm us.

The Privileges and Obligations of Citizenship

Here is a timely letter from Alistair Begg that I recently read regarding Election Day:

"Many passages and examples in the Bible clarify our responsibilities as citizens, not the least of which is found in Paul's letter to the Romans, where he writes, 'Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment' (13:1-2).

Two observations come to mind regarding this. First of all, government is God's design. The sinful predicament of man necessitates oversight, and government is God's way of providing for the well-being of human society. This doesn't mean that all governments are good, nor do all governments recognize God's supreme authority. Yet, the book of Daniel teaches that God 'removes kings and sets up kings' within His sovereign will and purpose. It's no doubt challenging to understand God's purpose when we watch the news or read the newspaper and see so much that is upside down - yet even in this, we must remember that nothing is unfolding outside the sovereign will of God.

Secondly, obedience to the government is not optional based upon our views or affiliations, but rather, is God's command. We're accountable to God to obey the rule of law so that we contribute to an orderly, civil society. With this comes our duty and privilege as citizens to participate in the electoral process.

This provides us all with the opportunity to heed the directive given by Paul to Timothy: 'First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way' (1 Tim. 2:1-2). We dare not be negligent in this, because our leaders need our prayers as much as ever. Prayers for our nation will not go unheard.

When I find myself distressed by the chaos, to my Bible I go, confident that God is on the throne! I need not live in fear regarding these affairs but can instead rejoice in the prospect of the great appearing of King Jesus, when we will join with an eternal company of citizens declaring then what we affirm now: "The Lord God omnipotent reigns!'"

With my love in the Lord Jesus,
Alistair

"The Heart of Jehovah is Open"

Spurgeon's thoughts regarding Acts 9:11:

"Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. When our hearts are broken and we bow in prayer, we are often only able to employ the language of sighs and tears; still our groaning has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music. That tear has been caught by God and treasured in the receptacle of heaven. "Put my tears into thy bottle" implies that they are caught as they flow. The petitioner, whose fears prevent his words, will be well understood by the Most High. He may only look up with misty eye; but "prayer is the falling of a tear." Tears are the diamonds of heaven; sighs are a part of the music of Jehovah's court and are numbered with "the sublimest strains that reach the majesty on high." Do not think that your prayer, however weak or trembling, will be unregarded. Jacob's ladder is lofty, but our prayers shall lean upon the Angel of the covenant and so climb its starry rounds. Our God not only hears prayer but also loves to hear it. He does not forget the cry of the humble. True, He does not regard high looks and lofty words; He does not care for the pomp and pageantry of kings; He does not listen to the swell of martial music; He does not regard the triumph and pride of man. But wherever there is a heart big with sorrow or a lip quivering with agony, or a deep groan, or a penitential sigh, the heart of Jehovah is open. He marks it down in the registry of His memory; He puts our prayers, like rose leaves, between the pages of His book of remembrance, and when the volume is opened at last, there shall be a precious fragrance springing from it."

                                               Faith asks no signal from the skies,
                                               To show that prayers accepted rise.
                                                  Our Priest is in His holy place,
                                               And answers from the throne of grace.
                                               
Candy's thoughts: Having spent most of the last decade weeping, I often am drawn to meditations such as this one and find them incredibly comforting. The very idea that God counts each tear that we shed, along with each hair on our heads, is simply astounding. Do other Gods of other religions even notice such things? I think not. I know not. How precious, then, is our King of kings and Lord of lords who would not only care about our groans and wailings, but also amazingly turn our sighs and tears into prayers. "The heart of Jehovah is open."  What a compassionate Savior we serve!

"I Was Glad"

On October 22nd of this year Eugene Petersen, a prolific Christian writer and a pastor to pastors, entered into glory. His death reminded me of a little devotional book he authored entitled Praying With The Psalms: A Year of Daily Prayers and Reflections on the Words of David. It is a lovely collection of very small messages that convey very big thoughts. Here is one that I recently found particularly encouraging:
________________________________________________________

"I Was Glad"  Read Psalm 122:1-5

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!"   Psalm 122:1

The Jerusalem temple in ancient times, and the local church in our times, alike gather and order a worshiping, praising people. Any road that leads to a congregation of God's people is traveled with a glad heart.

Prayer: I give you thanks, most gracious God, for the church in which I worship, the care with which it was built, the devotion with which it is maintained, the ministering uses to which it is put. For all this I thank you, in Jesus' name. Amen
____________________________________________________________________________

Candy's thoughts: I absolutely love the prayer that Petersen wrote concerning his own local church, and I will use it when I pray now and in the future for Exeter Presbyterian. I was also reminded of a passage in Hebrews:

"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."  

It seems fitting that this beloved man, Eugene Petersen, would write about "the road that leads to a congregation of God's people here on earth," and that nine days ago he himself took the road leading to the "congregation of God's people" gathered in heaven above.

I am thankful that Petersen finally has a perfectly 'glad heart.'  What a homecoming! What a God!

Why Wait? Part 2

Risner's thoughts: "Abraham's faith wasn't rooted in the promise of descendants. If it was, he never would have taken Isaac to be sacrificed. He wouldn't have relinquished what God had promised him years earlier. Abraham's faith wasn't in the promise alone. His faith was rooted in the Promisor.

Because his faith was not in what God would do for him, but in God Himself, Abraham was willing to risk. He could do whatever God asked. He wasn't holding on to a particular outcome. He was holding on to God. Abraham's waiting strengthened his faith. Taught him God's ways. Showed him God's faithfulness. Abraham knew that God would provide everything he needed.

I have the same assurance Abraham did - that God will provide everything I need. As I let that promise sink in, I see my waiting differently. Perhaps God is making me - and you - wait for the same reasons that He made Abraham wait: to forge our faith. To make us attentive to His voice. To deepen our relationship. To solidify our trust. To prepare us for ministry. To transform us into His likeness.

In retrospect, I realize that this is the most precious answer God can give us: wait. It makes us cling to Him rather than to an outcome. God knows what I need; I do not. He sees the future; I cannot. His perspective is eternal; mine is not. He will give me what is best for me when it it best for me. As Paul Tripp says, 'Waiting is not just about what I get at the end of the wait, but about who I become as I wait.'"

Candy's (further) thoughts: It would be so easy, after reading the above quote, to say "Easy for you to say! You are not dealing with {insert your own particular trial here}."  But it certainly is NOT easy for Vaneetha Risner to say what she did. As a reminder, this is a woman who had 21 surgeries by age 13 due to polio, experienced immense grief at the death of child due to a physician's error, and underwent multiple miscarriages. She is presently dealing with a debilitating disease related to polio that will cause her to end up in a wheelchair unable to care for herself, and at one time was abandoned by her husband in the midst of all these afflictions and suffered through an unwanted divorce. So does she have some credibility in relating the lessons she has learned in her life?  Oh yes.

I'm not sure I've ever met a person who 'enjoys' waiting. Whether it's in line at the grocery store or sitting in a doctor's office to hear the results of serious medical testing, most of us would opt out of delays if we had the choice.

But what if we could truly adopt what Vaneetha is recommending - an attitude adjustment about waiting? Wouldn't it change us, calm us, create hope in us to contemplate the 'eternal' significance of waiting upon God?  Rather than waiting for that one prayer request to be granted - the removal of some particular suffering in our lives - wouldn't it be better to focus on the Promisor, and then on who we are becoming as our trials last longer than we desire?

May God grant us the ability to wait on Him as He waits on us to become more conformed to the image of His Son. Amen.

"My Times Are In Your Hands" Parts 1 & 2

As stated in the previous blog post, I have been reading through a little booklet entitled "My Times are in Your Hands," written by Alistair Begg and based on Psalm 31:15. Here are the first two points made by the author concerning this verse.



Begg's thoughts:

1. I am not trapped in the grip of blind forces.

2. I am not tossed about on the ocean of chance.

Candy's thoughts:

I purposely grouped these two reflections together because they are similar in application. One prime example of this philosophy of "blind forces" and "ocean of chance" is an experience we had back when Steve and I first came to Exeter to start EPC. We were in a local church on a sad day - attending the funeral service of a young man who was a father to one of our kid's friends. He had died as a result of cancer. The pastor of this church was instructing those grieving that his death had nothing to do with God at all, that cancer "just happens." He further went on to say that anyone who believed that God was involved in this death either didn't know anything about God or anything about cancer. I could not believe what I was hearing. How was this comforting to those in the midst of terrible sorrow at the loss of a beloved husband and father? I had never before heard a tragic death explained by 'chance' by a clergy member.  So sad.

Psalm 31:15 would have been a better and much more comforting message to give to those that were assembled that morning: "My times are in Your hands."  Praise God that He gives us many such reassuring reminders in His Word that He is faithful in the midst of even the most devastating life-changing events in our lives.

"My Times are in Your Hands"

Alistair Begg's thoughts: "In the opening verses of Psalm 31 it is apparent that the Psalmist is in anguish. As we read on he seems to find himself in a position of assurance just a few verses later, only to return to a state of distress immediately.

This cycle of pain and joy is not an unusual experience of Christian pilgrimage. In fact the recurrence of disappointment and distress is fairly common along the path of faith. Most of us are a jumble of emotions and a cross section of experiences. The good, the bad and the ugly wash over us regularly.

The key issue is what we do with these experiences. How does being a believer shape the way in which we view these events and our world?

Verse 15 of Psalm 31 reads, "My times are in Your hands."  These six words are the affirmation of the person who knows himself to be, despite disasters and difficulties, under the care of Almighty God. It is this certainty that will bring equilibrium to us in the span of events that would inflate our egos or crush our souls. I want to focus now on this phrase throughout the pages of this booklet. I have found nine truths, which emerge from the simple statement, "My times are in Your hands.""

Candy's thoughts: I found this gem of a booklet while following a link to a Study Bible with the notes of Charles Spurgeon included, as well as some recently recovered "lost sermons" of his. This Bible was edited by Alistair Begg, and so I was on the Truth for Life website, which is part of Begg's ministry. Anyway, I happened to see something else entitled "My Times are in Your Hands," also written by Begg. This is a verse that I've always taken comfort in, and so I included it with my purchase of the previously mentioned Bible.

This little brochure is great! It states truths which most believers "know," but which few believers really "comprehend" at a moment when a difficulty or tragedy is unfolding. Fear and panic are usually the first emotions that emerge, instead of comfort and assurance that God is sovereign.  I hope over the next few blog posts to summarize some of Begg's points, ones which we would all benefit from meditating upon. Until then, here is the entirety of Psalm 31 for context as we begin:

https://www.esv.org/Psalm+31/

The Monster of Unbelief

Spurgeon's thoughts: "Strive with all diligence to keep out the monster of unbelief. It is so dishonoring to Christ that He will withdraw His visible presence if we insult Him by tolerating it. It is true it is a weed that we can never entirely remove from the soil, but we must aim at its root with zeal and perseverance. Among hateful things it is the most to be defeated. Its hurtful nature is so poisonous that he that uses it, and he upon whom it is used, are both harmed by it. In your case, believer, it is most wicked, for the mercies of your Lord in the past increase your guilt in doubting Him now."

Candy's thoughts: In all honesty, I have been bitten time and again by this monster of unbelief. Quick little thoughts just pop into my head and I wonder where they have originated from: the world, the flesh, or the devil? Interestingly, the only common pattern that I have discerned these many years is the place where I am most likely to be attacked: in worship or while teaching the Bible. It seems as though Satan knows the exact moment to whisper within my ear little snide remarks like "You don't really believe that..." or "You are such a hypocrite to teach these women when even you sometimes doubt what you are saying..." or "Think of all the really brilliant people you admire who are not believers - they are obviously right in denying all this!" These accusations distract, distress, and ultimately depress me because I, like Spurgeon, believe that they are dishonoring to the God who has so lavishly poured out His mercies and promises upon me throughout my life.

Years ago I devised a physical response to implement whenever one of these lies is whispered in my ear. While reading the Screwtape Letters I was left with the image of a little Junior Temptor named Wormwood, who would perch on a person's shoulder within a short distance of an ear, into which he would very quietly speak thoughts of doubt and unbelief. Ever since then, whenever I am ambushed by Wormwood, I just brush my shoulder with my hand and pretend I have swept Wormwood away.

So the next time you see me in church or around a table brush something off my shoulder, please know it's not dandruff but a little demon spreading lies about our gracious and loving God. :)

The Valley of Vision

"Lord, High and Holy, Meek and Lowly,

You have brought me to the valley of vision,
   where I live in the depths but see you in the heights,
hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold your glory.

Let me learn by paradox
     that the way down is the way up,
     that to be low is to be high,
     that the broken heart is the healed heart,
     that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
     that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
     that to have nothing is to possess all,
     that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
     that to give is to receive,
     that the valley is the place of vision.

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from the deepest wells,
     and the deeper the wells the brighter your stars shine.
   
Let me find your light in my darkness,
     your life in my death,
     your joy in my sorrow,
     your grace in my sin,
     your riches in my poverty,
     your glory in my valley."

Candy's thoughts: It sounds odd or irreverent to say that one has a "favorite prayer." We often reference books and movies and laundry detergents as "favorites." But truly, this IS the special prayer that I return to time and again. Each phrase merits its own blog post, but time does not allow for that ambitious project. However, I have committed this day to take each thought expressed and meditate on it throughout the course of my day, particularly in the morning and before bed at night. I intend to write each phrase on a little file card and carry it with me so that I can be reminded to think through who God the Father is, what His son has accomplished on the cross, and how the Holy Spirit has applied the gospel and all the promises to us through Holy Scripture. 

Anyone want to join me in this commitment to meditate on this, my "favorite prayer?"

   

There's No Place Like Home

From the Archives: This was originally published here on Candyceland 9 years ago today. 😀

I was recently asked to share the story of how Steve and I came to plant the church in Exeter. It actually all started with two Mary Engelbreit tins...

We initially moved to New Hampshire in 1989 to be a part of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashua. We loved this state, and traveled around quite a bit on various field trips. We came out to the Seacoast area often, and one time stopped in Exeter. We wandered around its quaint downtown area. I fell in love with one shop in particular - I think it was called Lilacs and Lace. It was a specialty shop that was very "girlish" and sold Mary Engelbreit products. I purchased the two tins pictured here. The day we visited, the owner was hosting a "tea party" for a mom and her girls on a raised platform in the back of the store. When we came back outside, and were gazing at the lovely gazebo in the middle of the street, I asked Steve: "Wouldn't it be great to someday live in a town like this?"

Years later, Steve finished seminary. We started to pray about where God would have us serve Him. We investigated several options, including planting churches in Salem, NH, and Hanover, NH (home of Dartmouth College). There was also an opening at Magee Presbyterian Church in Magee, Mississippi! I am NOT making this up! But we decided ultimately that since we loved New Hampshire, and there were only a few PCA churches in the state, the wisest course would be to stay and start another one. But where, specifically?

Then I remembered the lovely town of Exeter that we had visited years earlier. Being the county seat at the time, it was a great location geographically for a new church. We moved here in 1994 to begin Exeter Presbyterian Church. Soon thereafter I headed downtown to find Lilacs and Lace, but alas, it was gone. I was so disappointed. I wanted to have tea parties there with my daughters and buy more Mary Engelbreit stuff. *sniff sniff*

Fast forward 4 or 5 years. We were having a wonderful dinner with some dear saints who had recently become members of Exeter Presbyterian. They asked how we decided to plant the church in Exeter. I told the same story as I've just recorded here - about the great store with the tins and the tea party. Leila and Ted were amazed. The store had been owned by Leila! It was only in operation for a year or so, and they never really understood why God called them to start this store and then have them close it down so soon after. Leila cried, and said that "...if the only reason for the store was to lure you here to Exeter to start the church, then that is good enough for me!"

So there you have proof that "...God works in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform." A month from today we will celebrate being in Exeter for fifteen years (now 24 years)! Through a lovely store and two small tins, God somehow directed us to the place where we were apparently meant to be!

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

A Devotional Based on "O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go" by Lindsay I. Terry

Scripture: Romans 8:26-39

Nay, in all these these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

The story behind this hymn is remarkably similar to that behind the hymn, "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus." Both were born out of dark sorrow. Dr. George Matheson was another of the great preachers produced by Scotland. He was born there in 1842. While still in his teens, he entered the University of Glasgow. He was stricken with total blindness shortly after his entrance into school. But not even the loss of eyesight could stop George Matheson. Before his death, Mr. Matheson recorded his own account of the writing of his masterpiece hymn. The hymn was composed in the manse of Innellan on the evening of June 6, 1882. He was alone and it was the day of his sister's marriage, and the rest of the family were staying overnight in Glasgow. Some event, known only to him, caused him the most severe mental suffering. It has been suggested that he was in love with a young lady and was jilted. This may have been the reason for his extreme distress. The hymn was a fruit of that suffering. He reported that the hymn was the quickest bit of work he ever did in his life. It seemed to be dictated to him by some inward voice. The whole work was completed in five minutes and it never received any retouching or correction:

                                       

                                          O love that wilt not let me go,

                                          I rest my weary soul in Thee,

                                          I give Thee back the life I owe,

                                          That in Thine ocean depths its flow

                                          May richer, fuller be.

Terry's thoughts: It is only the tremendous love that God has for us that causes Him to draw a curtain over our future so that we cannot see what lies ahead. Therefore, we must cling to Him for daily strength and daily guidance. Truly this makes our lives richer and fuller.

Candy's thoughts:  If only I could remember this as trials pile up and my feelings go down!

My favorite version of this hymn

Some Mother's Child

Since first becoming a mother some 36 years ago, I have viewed tragic or pitiful stories differently than before then. When I've seen news of someone causing or being a victim of a horrific crime, I've thought about the parents of both the perpetrator and the victim. If I read an account of girls being freed from the sex trade in India or anywhere in the world, I think of the joy a parent should feel in seeing their loved one rescued. Obituaries always make me wonder if there's a parent mourning the loss of their child, whether it's a young or adult one. For me it's always about the mother and father behind the person who is affected by a terrible event.

Which is why the link I'm sharing with you today struck me so hard when I read it recently. It is written by Bob Bjerkaas, a friend of ours who once labored as a pastor in Vermont and is now ministering in California. (The picture I posted is Bob with Joni Earekson Tada who is one of his parishioners.) As I read Bob's blogpost I wondered if this is the way God thinks of us as He sees us floundering/sinning/hurting/being hurt by others. I think it pains Him as much (or more?) than it pains us as earthly parents when we see our own kids struggling. I'd be interested in hearing perspectives and thoughts from all of you after you read this beautiful story and poem.

http://bobbjerkaas.com/some-mothers-child/

CandyceLand is in VacationLand

Hello friends,

Most of you may know this already, but Steve and I and all the kids are on vacation, so no posts will be forthcoming. I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to being back and writing again... sometime.  :)

Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah

Candy's thoughts: It seems as though everything I read these days has to do with the themes of waiting and patience. Hmmm. Is it possible God is sending multiple helps for a persistent sin of mine but I'm just not listening? Yes indeed, I think that is quite likely.

Here is what God put in front of me yesterday, this time written by one of my favorite columnists. For many years I've wanted to compose small articles like Andree Seu Peterson does for World Magazine - brief yet practical. I hope you enjoy her thoughts on the relationship between biblical heroes and a classic '60s camp song.  😉

Soul, Remember, In Your Pains...

"The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice."  Psalm 97:1

Spurgeon's thoughts: "There are no real causes for anxiety as long as this blessed sentence is true. On earth the Lord's power controls the rage of the wicked as readily as the rage of the sea; His love refreshes the poor with mercy as easily as the earth with showers. Majesty gleams in flashes of lightning amid the tempest's horrors, and the glory of the Lord is seen in its grandeur in the fall of empires and the crash of thrones. In all our conflicts and tribulations, we may behold the hand of the divine King."

                                       

God is God; He sees and hears

All our troubles, all our tears.

Soul, forget not, in your pains,

God o'er all forever reigns.

Fear not death, nor Satan's thrusts,

God defends who in Him trusts;

Soul, remember, in your pains,

God o'er all forever reigns.

For this life's long night of sadness

He will give us peace and gladness.

Soul, remember, in your pains,

God o'er all forever reigns. 

Candy's thoughts: I have to admit that my first response to this devotional was something like "easier said than done."  Not the holiest of impulses, I know. But then I remembered that throwing off anxiety must be active and not passive. I often tell my friends in GriefShare that we all have to "lean into our grief," meaning we have to work hard in order to heal. We can't just try to convince ourselves that losing someone doesn't hurt and so we should stop crying or being sad. Instead, in both grief and anxiety we have to confront our fear of the future and then do something - read God's loving promises to us in His Word, pray for relief and a return to stability, preach the gospel to ourselves daily, seek out godly counsel, find comfort in serving others, etc. We can't simply ignore our emotions or distract ourselves with meaningless activities. We have to "lean into" the trouble we face and "lean upon" the Lord with appropriate action.  Soul, remember, in your pains, God o'er all forever reigns. 

Lost and Found

Candy's thoughts: Most of you know that our family lost a son and brother to death back in 2007. The truth is, though, that I don't believe we "lost" Sam because I know exactly where he is - in heaven.

I love the writings of J.C. Ryle, a country pastor for 39 years and the Bishop of Liverpool in England for 20 more during the 19th Century. He authored several books, and the one entitled Holiness is my favorite. Here is an excerpt from it in which he reflects upon the reality of what happens to our saved loved ones as they pass from life into eternity. I hope that this is a help to those of you who need some encouragement as to the present existence of those in Christ who have gone before us. They are not lost, but found.

Ryle's thoughts: "Blessed be God, the souls of departed saints are free from the very moment their last breath is drawn. While we are weeping, and the coffin is preparing, and the mourning being provided, and the last painful arrangements being made, the spirits of our beloved ones are enjoying the presence of Christ. They are freed forever from the burden of the flesh. They are 'where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary be at rest' (Job 3:17).

The very moment that believers die they are in paradise. Their battle is fought; their strife is over. They have passed through that gloomy valley we must one day tread; they have gone over that dark river we must one day cross; They have drunk that last bitter cup which sin has mingled for man; they have reached that place where sorrow and sighing are no more. Surely we should not wish them back again! We should not weep for them. but for ourselves.

We are warring still, but they are at peace. We are laboring, but they are at rest. We are watching, but they are sleeping. We are wearing our spiritual armor, but they have forever put it off. We are still at sea, but they are safe in harbor. We have tears, but they have joy. We are strangers and pilgrims, but as for them they are at home. Surely, better are the dead in Christ than the living! Surely the very hour the poor saint dies, he is at once higher and happier than the highest upon earth."

Is God My Co-Pilot?

Charles Spurgeon's thoughts: "Upon some points a believer is absolutely sure. He knows, for instance, that God sits in the center of the vessel when it rocks most. He believes that an invisible hand is always on the world's tiller, and that wherever providence may drift, God is steering it. That reassuring knowledge prepares him for everything. He looks over the raging waters and sees the spirit of Jesus walking on the water, and he hears a voice saying, "It is I - do not be afraid." He knows too that God is always wise, and knowing this, he is confident that there can be no accidents, no mistakes, and that nothing can occur that ought not to happen."

Candy's thoughts: This quote reminded me of two things, a bad bumper sticker and a beautiful song. A frequent decal on cars is this one: "God is My Co-Pilot." While I understand the sentiment behind the phrase, it somehow seems wrong to me. The idea that God and I are fully equals in determining the course of my life makes me uneasy. I prefer God to be totally in charge steering the course of my days on earth while I seek to follow His wise and loving lead.

The song is "Jesus, Pilot Me." While it was written in the late 19th Century, the version I love the most is by BiFrost Arts. Wikipedia describes the group this way: "It is an ecumenical religious organization closely linked with the Presbyterian Church in America that produces written and recorded religious music." I very much appreciate their music, and for reasons that will become obvious as you listen to this old hymn, it totally expresses my desire for Jesus to be "in the center of [my] vessel when it rocks most." 

Listen to the song

Lyrics:

1. Jesus, Savior, pilot me,
   Over life’s tempestuous sea;
   Unknown waves before me roll,
   Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
   Chart and compass came from Thee:
   Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

Though the sea be smooth and bright, Sparkling with the stars of night, And my ship's path be ablaze With the light of halcyon days, Still I know my need of Thee; Savior, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child,

Thou canst hush the ocean wild;

Boist’rous waves obey Thy will

When Thou say’st to them, “Be still!”

Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea,

Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore,

And the fearful breakers roar

’Twixt me and the peaceful rest,

Then, while leaning on Thy breast,

May I hear Thee say to me,

“Fear not, I will pilot thee.”

(Sort of) Breaking News!

For months I have been sharing on CandyceLand excerpts from Prayers of the Bible: 366 Devotionals To Encourage Your Prayer Life by Gordon Keddie. I was also asked to write an actual book review for Ordained Servant, a publication of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, which I did and submitted a few weeks ago.

If you are interested, click here to see the Review that was posted yesterday on the OS website.

The Agony of Waiting

"How long, O lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?"  Psalm 13:1

(As a reminder: The author of The Scars That Have Shaped Me is someone who has dealt with multiple traumas in her life: Hospitalized for years with polio, underwent repeated bullying from classmates, experienced multiple miscarriages, struck with massive grief after a baby son died as a result of a physician's error, abandoned by her husband, and even now is struggling with a progressive disease that has left her with very little muscle strength and is on her way to total paralysis.)

Risner's thoughts:  "Waiting can be agonizing. It's hardest to wait when I am uncertain about the outcome, when I'm trusting God for the best while preparing for the worst. It would be much easier if I had a guaranteed good outcome. Or at least a specific promise from God to hold onto, some reassurance to anchor my prayers. But God often seems silent when I'm waiting. I have no idea whether he'll ever answer my prayer, so it feels like I'm waiting in the dark.

"Perhaps God is making me - and you - wait for the same reasons that he made Abraham wait; to forge our faith. To make us attentive to his voice. To deepen our relationship. To solidify our trust. To prepare us for ministry. To transform us into his likeness.

"In retrospect, I realize that this is the most precious answer God can give us: wait. It makes us cling to him rather than to an outcome. God knows what I need; I do not. He sees the future; I cannot. His perspective is eternal; mine is not. He will give me what is best for me when it is best for me. As Paul Tripp says, 'Waiting is not just about what I get at the end of the wait, but also who I become as I wait. '"

Candy's thoughts: I don't know about the rest of you, but waiting is definitely NOT my forte. One of my recurring sins is impatience, whether I'm in a line at the grocery store, anticipating the next season of the year to begin, for a long awaited fun event to start, etc etc etc. Nothing is too small to trigger my annoyance. 😞

Ugh. I really should 'know' better. I've been reading the Bible for many years, so I've seen how God has ordained 'waiting' as a very important time in the lives of many of his servants. Think Job, Moses, Hannah, and the children of Israel in the wilderness. Waiting is often used by God to do exactly what Risner is suggesting: to draw us closer to himself. We need to pray that he would "make us cling to him rather than to an outcome." May God give us extra measures of patience as we wait upon his good and perfect will.

A Scrap of Paper and a Prayer Worth Sharing

"If thou seek Him, He will be found of thee."  1 Corinthians 28:9

A prayer by J. Stewart French:

"O Thou Who are Infinite Wisdom, we, Thy short-sighted children, desire Thy guidance throughout this day.

We know not what of joy or sorrow it may hold for us, but we believe Thy grace to be sufficient for its needs, and so we pray that we may appreciate and appropriate that grace so freely given. If sorrow be our lot, let that grace comfort us and make us strong to bear it. If joy be ours, let that grace keep us in humbleness and dependence upon Thee.

In the midst of the uncertainties among which we must make our way, hold us by the hand and keep us in Thy paths. Help us to put down that desire we so frequently find taking possession of us, to make explorations here and there, beyond the boundaries Thou hast marked off, and to be content to follow Thee in paths that are safe.

We are depending upon Thee. Thou hast never failed us in the past, and we trust thee for this day. We do not know the way, but it is plain to Thee. Guide us safely, through Him Who has loved us and given Himself for us.  Amen."

Candy's thoughts: In looking through some old books this week, a small piece of paper dropped out from one of them. I have absolutely no idea where it came from, if someone gave it to me or I copied it from a devotional book, or if it was intended for Steve. I tried googling the author, J. Stewart French, but to no avail. It appears that the King James Version of the Bible was used and the writer communicates in the same manner, so perhaps this was published many years ago? The prayer is lovely and full of trust in the God of providence.

Somehow I haven't been able to figure out exactly what to do with this scrap of paper, but ultimately decided to honor the intentions of J. Stewart French and share it with all of you. 😀

My Worth and My Unworthiness

Keith & Kristyn Getty, Michael Card, and Fernando Ortega are the musicians that I listen to the most outside of the church setting. The video that I am posting today has the Gettys and Fernando teaming up in a beautiful song: "My Worth Is Not In What I Own" from their CD Facing a Task Unfinished. The music is lovely and the lyrics full of praise for God's redeeming work 'at the cross.'

While each verse is wonderful, I am particularly struck by the concept of "My Worth and My Unworthiness." It is the gospel in just five words.

Let me know what you think of this song. 🎶